Eating is supposed to be an enjoyable experience that leaves you feeling satisfied and energized. But for many people, eating is a stressful event: It can cause feelings of guilt and shame, and it can overpower all other thoughts.

These are all signs of compulsive eating, a serious but treatable eating disorder. Use the information below to figure out if you or a friend might have the condition, and learn what you can do about it.

How to Tell If There's a Problem

If you think you or a friend might have this problem, there is something you can do. First, you must identify the problem. Use the questions below as a guideline; If you answer yes to any of them, you may be a compulsive overeater.

Do you eat until you feel stuffed or uncomfortable?

Do you eat when you're not hungry?

Does stress, emotional upset, anxiety or depression cause you to overeat?

Do you feel unable to stop eating?

Do you become anxious or worried while you are eating?

Why It's Important to Get Help

Overeating can lead to weight gain, which may trigger a host of other health problems, including high blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, heart disease and certain types of cancer. Compulsive eating is not just a problem for overweight people. The condition can affect your self-esteem and leave you feeling out of control.